PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Norwich University men's wrestling team competed in the Wildcat Open Saturday, hosted by Johnson & Wales University.
Norwich's top finishes came from
Nicholas Berrena (State College, Pa.) (141) and
Jeffrey Bernardi (Bethlehem, Conn.) (174), who both battled through the consolation brackets to lead the Cadets' scoring effort. Berrena strung together multiple bonus-point victories on his way to a fourth-place finish, while Bernardi capped his run with a pin to earn fifth place at 174 pounds.
At 157 pounds,
Ryan Bunney (East Nassau, N.Y.) rebounded after an early setback to secure a sixth-place finish, collecting two wins on the back side of the bracket.
In the upper weights,
Rory Nolan (Wadsworth, Ohio) (285) added team points for the Cadets, while Berrena's bonus-point victories at 141 pounds stood out as one of the tournament's most productive runs.
Norwich also saw strong performances from unattached women's wrestlers.
Gianna Silva (Monroe, Conn.) (131) led the group with a third-place finish, advancing to the podium after a series of decisive victories in the championship and consolation rounds.
Charlii Carbajal Sanchez (Broomfield, Colo.) (145) also earned a podium spot, placing third after collecting multiple wins on the back side of the bracket.
At 160 pounds,
Ay'Seante Ross (Wilmington, N.C.) competed unattached and finished fourth, while
Nalani Portela-Bailey (Cibolo, Texas) (145) reached the placement rounds and added valuable experience against a deep field.
Addisyn Herdic (Canterbury, Conn.) (117) and
Gianiece Cope (Bridgeport, Conn.) (117) both recorded wins in round-robin competition.
After the cancellation of New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) duals on Sunday due to inclement weather, both wrestling programs will return to the mat on Jan. 31 when they host simultaneous tri-meets with Maine Maritime and Felician inside Plumley Armory at 11 a.m.
